The first heir novel (Master Yu Who Smokes)
Chapter 534

"According to our current contract, Michaels Corp will only take 30% of the profit. At the board meeting, we decided that if we don't pull out, we'll have to pour a lot more resources into this project. That would mean an investment far beyond anything else we've risked so far, so we'll need more potential profit to balance that risk."

Blake was very adept at reading the room, and his next words immediately shut down the chaos that had erupted in the conference room. "50%! We want 50% of the ROI, and we require Beacon to give us the patent and data for the new drug."

"Impossible! That's not how business works! 50% is higher than we can afford. As for the data, we already agreed that it will only ever belong to Beacon!"

Wynn's expression turned cold and her tone sharp. "You're violating the contract without reason!"

Wynn was now extremely unfriendly to Blake. He was clearly trying to get everything for nothing!

Blake's eyes twinkled. He never expected Wynn to agree off the bat either, so he smiled and said, "That's just the condition our board proposed. Don't be quick to anger, Madam Johnston. I'm sure you know better than I do that this project is integral to Beacon's recalibration, and it's necessary if Beacon wants to expand to Capital City. After all that time and effort you put into it, I'm sure you won't let it all go to waste, right? Why don't you give it a bit more thought?"

At this point, Blake was barely veiling his threat.

Wynn frowned. "Are you threatening me, Mr. Michaels?"

"Oh, Madam Johnston, that's going too far. I've been a long-time investor in Beacon, no? I'm only thinking about your own good."

Blake smiled like a crafty old fox.

Wynn's expression contorted in rage when she heard that, her already-cool expression dropping to sub-zero!

"I think there's nothing left to talk about here. Pull out if you want. We can complete this project even without Michaels Corp's investments!"

Blake finally sneered at that. "I know you're a cold and unforgiving woman, Madam Johnston. But you know this project better than anyone, and you know that you can't continue without our investment. Even if you manage to develop the drug, how will you market and sell it later? Don't think you can rest easy just because you have Anderson Group's distribution channels in South River District. Although all of Anderson Group's sales rights have been transferred to a brand new company, the Michaels from Golden City distribute 30% of the country's pharmaceutical drugs. You will need us if you want to reach Capital City. That is why I advise you to reconsider.

"After all, that is how you plan to expand to Capital City, right? If you fail, Beacon might just disappear from Riverdale altogether."

Wynn felt silent. Blake was right; Beacon had invested too much into this project. If it dies in the water, that will be a disaster of epic proportions for Beacon!

Wynn had a short discussion with Minerva before she looked up and said coldly, "40%! That is my bottom line, and that is the most Beacon can compromise. We will not give you the research data!"

Wynn clenched her teeth. She was already very unhappy with that compromise, but she did not expect Blake to launch a sneak attack on them, now of all times!

How would Philip handle this if he were here?

Could her husband help her?